Concept style interior features bright colors and clever use of materials

Mercedes-Benz has just revealed the S-Class Coupe Concept, its star of the 2013 Frankfurt auto show. It’s no secret that the concept coupe is a thinly veiled version of what is expected to be the newest addition to the S-Class lineup. With a front-end style reminiscent of the recently launched CLA-Class, the S-Class Coupe Concept combines sport-themed elements with luxury touches befitting Benz’s flagship model line.

Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design at Daimler AG, had this to say about the concept coupe in a
statement announcing the car: "The Concept S-Class Coupe combines tradition and emotion, and is a
symbol for the embodiment of our design style of sensual clarity. The perfected design with self-assured
style and the highly exclusive appointments make the coupe a true design icon and an expression of
modern luxury."

Performance:

The S-Class Coupe Concept is powered by a version of the 4.7-liter bi-turbo V8 also found under the hood of the base S-Class, with a claimed output of 449hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Although Benz doesn’t specify the concept’s transmission, we’re assuming the production version S-Class Coupe will feature the same 7-speed automatic as the base S-Class sedan, and should reach 60 mph in roughly 4.8 seconds.

Not surprisingly, the concept is also equipped with Benz’s new ‘Intelligent Drive’ system that deploys two camera ‘eyes’ that in essence create a 3D view of the road ahead up to 160ft in front of the car. When combined with the system’s radar and ultrasonic sensors, the car can effectively see other objects or vehicles up to 1600ft ahead and effectively monitors and detects any potential hazards. If it does, the car’s multitude of safety systems kick in to minimize and otherwise prevent accidents.

As with the new S-Class, the coupe’s suspension also makes use of cameras that helps the car detect uneven road surface in advance. If uneven surfaces are detected, the Magic Body Control system adjusts the suspension in advance to suit the situation.

Exterior:

Curved lines and exaggerated corners are not in short supply for the S-Class Coupe Concept. Proportionally, the Coupe has a wheelbase of 116in and is 198in long, 77in wide and 55in high. The S-Class Coupe rolls on 21in wheels (265/35 R 21 front and 295/35 R 21 rear). Visually, the coupe has a high waist line accentuated at the wheel arches.

The striking front end features a three-dimensional diamond radiator grille defined by rectangular, dark chrome-plated elements that frame the central Mercedes-Benz star and single blade element.

The LED lights give the front an even more aggressive look with the further advanced ‘eyebrows’ in a semicircular counter-swish. The diamond-look of the headlamps tie in the front and rear end with luxury touches.

A dome-shaped stretched roofline and frameless doors pull the eye toward the rear, and the seamless windows are surrounded by a three-dimensional chrome frame and are uninterrupted by B-pillars.

Possibly the most unexpected exterior feature is the shape of the taillights, which are not of typical Mercedes-Benz style. The rear is simpler compared to the curvy nature seen on the rest of the Coupe, and this is further emphasized by the placement of the license plate under the bumper in an effort to keep the lines as clean as possible. A chrome strip runs horizontally across the trunk lid, finishing the look.

Interior:

What you would usually expect to see on the inside of a Mercedes-Benz is plush leather and rich wood tones. But the interior on this concept is anything but ordinary. Almost every surface, apart from the roof, is white. Other colors and textures compliment the bright space such as subtle blues and door panels made from aluminum.

Simplicity plays a large role in the passenger cabin with the instruments and controls almost all in digital form. Even the air vents utilize a seamless and simple design with a four-piece cluster in the center of the instrument panel. Touch screens, including 12.3inch screens seen in the new S-Class and a world clock touch screen bring the future and technology to driver and passenger.

Depending on the mood of the occupants, the MoodGrid software in the infotainment system is able to select whatever music fits the desired mood based on pre-selected songs. The navigation is based on the Garmin NaviCore with a new 3D view.

Expect the production version of the S-Class Coupe to surface in the U.S. sometime in 2014.